DVD Review: Lovejoy, Series 5

Based on the novels by Jonathan Gash, Lovejoy, Series 5 arrives on DVD on March 31, 2015 from Acorn, an RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE) brand. Ian McShane (Deadwood, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides) stars as Lovejoy, a rascal of an antiques dealer with a heart of gold. McShane is joined by Phyllis Logan (Downton Abbey), Malcolm Tierney (Dalziel and Pascoe), Chris Jury (The Big Game), and Dudley Sutton (The Beiderbecke Connection) in Series 5 of this beloved, humorous whodunit. The BBC1 series aired for six series over the course of eight years in the UK with Series 5 premiering in 1993. The series has also been broadcast on A&E in the U.S. Series 5 guest stars include James Nesbitt (The Hobbit trilogy, The Missing), John Gielgud (Arthur), Colin Salmon (Prime Suspect 2), Pete Postlethwaite (Inception), Caroline Langrishe (Judge John Deed), and Diane Parish (EastEnders). This DVD 4-disc set includes 14 episodes ($49.99, AcornOnline.com). Series 1-5 are also available to stream on Acorn TV, the premier British TV streaming service in North America at www.Acorn.TV.

Lovejoy’s world faces upheaval—and not just from the risky deals made by Ian McShane’s cunning antiques dealer. After a change in Lady Jane’s (Phyllis Logan) circumstances, Lovejoy loses the companionship of one of his most-trusted confidantes. But lovely auctioneer Charlotte Cavendish (Caroline Langrishe) soon becomes the (mostly) unyielding object of his affections.

Tinker (Dudley Sutton) takes on an assistant, Beth (Diane Parish), whose youthful exuberance and flair for the trade breathe new life into the team’s dicey operation. That’s good news for Lovejoy, since he’ll need all the help he can get to withstand the challenges that lie ahead—such as impending eviction, an attempt on his life, and a perilous journey to America.

Street Date: March 31, 2015                                                SRP: $49.99  

DVD 4-Disc Set: 14 episodes – Approx. 777 min. – SDH Subtitles

UPC 0-54961-2374-9-4                                              ISBN 978-1-62172-374-5

Contains mild language and partial nudity

 My Thoughts

 
 Lovejoy mixes the world of antiques with the world of crime and this man can spot a shady criminal as easily as he can spot a forgery. He might be a little bit of a rogue, but he also has a good heart. Series 5 includes 14 exciting episodes that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Pig in A Poke- Lovejoy buys a set of James Gillray prints and discovers they are fakes. Meanwhile, Eric finds a stolen statue in the home of one of Lady Jane's friends.

Who's the Fairest of them All - Lady Jane asks Lovejoy to assist in the sale of an antique mirror for a friend.  Later she shocks everyone by telling them Lord Feldsham has declared bankruptcy and she'll be leaving.

 A Going Concern - Lovejoy is house-sitting Feldsham Hall until its sold and decides to use it as an auction house. We meet Charolette of Cavandish Auction house and sparks fly between her and Lovejoy

The Kakiemon Tiger - Lovejoy decides to hire a new apprentice in the hopes of off setting his financial issues.

 Three Men and a Brittle Lady - Charlie acquires a 18th-century Beau figurine but when he goes to show it off, it seems to have been switched with a phony.

Ducking and Diving - Eric and Tinker get into some trouble with thieves when they try to go on vacation. Meanwhile, Charlotte's ex shows up in town and wants to whisk her away to Paris.

Stone of Destiny - Charlotte is upset when Lovejoy's mistake leads to a valuable cross being stolen. The two of them head to Wales to try to get it back.

Poetic License - Lovejoy goes to an mental hospital  to evaluate some paintings, and while he's there, someone tries to kill him.

The Peking Gun - A widow asks Lovejoy to help sell her husband's antiques. A valuable gun leads Lovejoy to dangerous territory.

Goose Bumps - Lovejoy seeks out an antique dealer believed to be lost at sea in order to pay off his dentist bill.

Swings and Roundabouts - A carnie brings Lovejoy in to check out some old candlesticks so he can retire. When he's accused of theft, Lovejoy tries to clear his name.

Never Judge a Book By Its Cover - Two sisters want to sell their old book collection, but their brother has other plans.

The Price of Fish - Lovejoy goes with Charlotte to her class reunion and is asked to inspect a fish famous for swallowing jewels. He's also given an eviction notice.

The Lost Colony - Lovejoy meets a southern belle who might have run off with a fortune in antiques.  He heads to the states to track her down.

This was such a great series. It has all the mystery without a lot of forensics, making it a fun and entertaining watch. I love the series, but I am going to miss Lady Jane. I don't feel as attached to Charlotte, but perhaps that will chance as the show progresses. You can order Lovejoy Series 5 on DVD for only $49.99 at Acorn Media or on Amazon.